Match Report: Blackpool 2 - 1 Liverpool

The manager and the year may have changed but Liverpool's problems away from home continued as Kenny Dalglish's first Barclays Premier League match since returning as boss ended in defeat at Blackpool.

Liverpool's troubles on the road contributed to the departure of Roy Hodgson last weekend but the Seasiders showed October's win by the same score at Anfield was no fluke.

Fernando Torres had given Dalglish the ideal start with a third-minute strike but goals from Gary Taylor-Fletcher and DJ Campbell extended Liverpool's miserable away league record to just two victories in almost 13 months.

It was not the start the 59-year-old Scot was expecting on his return to the top flight after more than 12 years away.

Dalglish said when he took over at the weekend he did not think the game had altered much.

However, when he was last in charge of Liverpool almost 20 years ago, Blackpool were in the old Fourth Division and the times are changing as Blackpool secured their first league double over Liverpool since 1947.

It had all begun so well for the visitors, looking to bounce back from Sunday's FA Cup exit at Manchester United.

After that game Dalglish had promised to get Torres back to his best after a laboured season and he was true to his word as the Spaniard struck in double-quick time from the kick-off.

And the goal came from another of the manager's tactical decisions, which saw the returning Glen Johnson, whose partner gave birth to a boy last night, lined up in an unfamiliar left-back position after Martin Kelly's impressive display against United.

Dalglish was rewarded for keeping faith with youngster Kelly as he set up the opening goal.

When Dirk Kuyt span the ball out to the defender he advanced over the halfway line before rolling a pass into the inside-right channel.

Torres did not need a second invitation, racing into the area and even from a tight angle he was able to fire a ferocious shot past Richard Kingson and into the roof of the net.

It was only the Spain international's second goal in his last nine matches and just his seventh of the season.

The visitors' joy lasted only until the 12th minute, however, as when Raul Meireles carelessly gave the ball away to David Vaughan in midfield he played in Taylor-Fletcher to exact the ultimate punishment by running through the defence to roll a shot under Jose Reina.

All the players then ran to the touchline to hold up a T-shirt with the words '4 Butch you Bluenose RIP' - a reference to Macclesfield player Richard Butcher who died suddenly this week.

Blackpool had the better chances in the remainder of the half, with Campbell heading wide from five yards and Taylor-Fletcher almost catching out Reina with a lob from the right wing after the goalkeeper duffed his kick.

The home side stepped up the pressure after the break with Charlie Adam's left-footed drive beaten away by Reina, who then tipped over Vaughan's shot.

Liverpool almost produced an eye-catching response when Milan Jovanovic's left-wing cross to the far post saw Torres volley well over, with the Spaniard also forcing a low save from Kingson this time from the left of the area.

Meireles then cut in from the right to hit a left-footed shot wide while Kuyt's low effort forced Kingson to save at the expense of a corner.

With 21 minutes remaining the Seasiders struck the killer blow when Ian Evatt beat Martin Skrtel to Eardley's deep cross and Campbell headed home.

Meireles' header from Torres' cross at the other end was not as accurate and dropped just over the crossbar.

Liverpool could have had a penalty in the 79th minute when the ball hit Craig Cathcart's arm, which was raised well above his head, but referee Michael Oliver blew for a foul by Torres.

The Reds have now lost 10 of their 21 league matches and eight out of 11 on the road.

If Dalglish wants the job on a permanent basis he will have to find a way of eliminating results such as this.

Kenny Dalglish: Defensive Frailties Must Be Resolved

Kenny Dalglish has admitted Liverpool need to improve defensively after Blackpool defeated his side 2-1 in the Premier League.

An early Fernando Torres goal saw a dream start for the Reds, yet a quick equalizer by Gary Taylor-Fletcher followed by a late DJ Campbell header saw the Seasiders register an impressive home victory.

Roy Hodgson's replacement has now lost his first two games back in charge of the club where he gained legendary status as a player, following the weekend's loss to bitter rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup.

"We are disappointed we have come away from the game with no points", Dalglish said to the BBC.

"Their first goal we were on the verge of breaking clear, misplaced a pass and they turned it around, went up the pitch and got a break of the ball off Daniel Agger before their lad finished well.

"The second goal we cleared the corner quite sufficiently and then is has come back in and we've not picked up.

"Some of the problems you can solve yourself. I wouldn't be too harsh on the players as they've been a credit to themselves. A lot played for over an hour against 11 men on Sunday.

"We've had three days training and I'll get to know them a lot better through training and playing matches. It doesn't matter how good a player you are, if you haven't got the confidence it will take a little while to get there.

"I wouldn't be here if the club was flying. it might have fallen in league points, but it definitely hasn't fallen in the love people have of the place.

"I haven't had any conversations with Damien Comolli or the hierarchy about money or transfers this January. I don't know. I haven't asked and they haven't told me."

One positive from the night was Torres' early goal, which Dalglish was impressed with.

"It was fantastic start and a great goal from Fernando but more importantly great passing to get him in there," he told Sky Sports.

"We passed it well up to a point, the final ball wasn't as good as what the boys are capable of, but we'll work away and try and develop that and give them the confidence they need to go on and produce more positive results than that."

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Link Grows Stronger At Anfield

Liverpool are reportedly preparing a bid for Southampton starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The England U18 international has been linked with an Anfield switch for close to a month now, but speculation in the British media has reached fever pitch today with new Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish reportedly ready to make a move.

Damien Comolli, director of football strategy at Liverpool, has made personal scouting trips to watch the player on a number of occasions, and the Frenchman now appears to have given the green light with regards to a move.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is also thought to be interested in the player dubbed 'the new Theo Walcott, whilst Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is also thought to be monitoring the situation.

However, it seems the Merseysiders are ready to make the first move for the player, who has made 22 League One appearances for the Saints in his fledgling career thus far.

New Liverpool owners NESV are keen to see young, attacking talent added to the ranks at Anfield, and have provided Dalglish with a transfer war chest in the region of £35 million.

An attacking foil for Fernando Torres is thought to be the priority for the Reds, and a flying teenage winger with the talents of Oxlade-Chamberlain would certainly be heralded as a coup by the Liverpool faithful as they hope for reinforcements this month.

Whilst neither club has confirmed the interest, it is thought that an initial fee of £10 million with add-ons of £2 million could be enough to bring the player to Anfield for Liverpool.

Liverpool Join Aston Villa & Birmingham In Pursuit Of Charlie Adam

Liverpool has joined Aston Villa and Birmingham in the race to sign Blackpool’s Charlie Adam, according to Sky Sports.

Adam has been a key figure at the club so far this season with a number of noteworthy performances that have helped Blackpool blossom in the top flight.

Manager Ian Holloway is firmly trying to keep hold of the 25-year-old, and has already declined a £2.5m bid from Aston Villa for the player and confirmed that he is looking to bolster his squad instead of weaken it.

New Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is looking to add creativity to the side and confirmed that he is eager to see fresh faces at the club in a bid to return to Europe’s elite.

Nathan Eccleston To Join Charlton Athletic On Loan Until The End Of The Season

Liverpool starlet Nathan Eccleston is set to join Charlton Athletic on loan until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old striker is down in London to finalize the deal and trained with the Charlton first-team on Wednesday morning.

Eccleston is expected to be available for the Addicks' trip to Sheffield Wednesday as the League One side look to mount a promotion push in the second half of the season.

The Manchester-born forward has made seven appearances for Liverpool so far this season, mainly featuring in the Reds' Europa League campaign.

But the Merseysiders want their young prospect to gain more experience and have a strong relationship with Charlton after they signed Jonjo Shelvey from the Londoners for £3 million in the summer.

Eccleston, who joined Liverpool when he was 15, spent last season on loan at Huddersfield and scored one goal in 12 appearances.

Liverpool’s Unwanted £18m Trio Wanted By Newcastle United, Aston Villa & Valencia

A queue is beginning to form in the pursuit of three Liverpool players who are seemingly surplus to requirements by the Anfield side. Kenny Dalglish and Damien Comolli are apparently willing to listen to offers for winger Ryan Babel, full backs Paul Konchesky and Emiliano Insua who are wanted by Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Valencia respectively.

Gerard Houllier is looking to freshen things up at Villa Park after a disastrous start to his Aston Villa reign and he apparently likes the look of Ryan Babel who has consistently failed to impress at Liverpool during his three and a half years at the club.

Alan Pardew is keen on left back Paul Konchesky who he knows from his time at West Ham and the Newcastle United boss may well feel he can purchase the former Fulham man relatively cheaply as it appears he is not wanted at the club after some sub standard performances. His place has recently been handed to Fabio Aurelio since Roy Hodgson left the club.

Valencia are eyeing up a move for Argentine youngster Emiliano Insua and given that Liverpool were ready to sell the 22 year old to Fiorentina then presumably as long as the La Liga meet their valuation then he will be heading for an Anfield exit. Insua is currently on loan at Galatasaray but is reportedly set to be sent back since the appointment of new boss Gheorghe Hagi.

Kenny Dalglish Considering Dietmar Hamann For Liverpool Return As Coach

Dietmar Hamann is a contender to return to Liverpool as part of Kenny Dalglish’s new-look backroom staff, Goal.com UK can disclose.

Hamann, who is mid-way through a one-year player-coach contract at MK Dons, has not played since October 30 because of injury.

He has ambitions to move in to coaching full time when he hangs up his boots and is believed to welcome the opportunity to be reunited with Liverpool.

The former Germany international played 299 games in seven years at Anfield, where he was a firm favourite with supporters and was a key member of the 2005 Champions League-winning side and the team that won the treble in 2001.

Dalglish, who has already brought former Chelsea and West Ham No.2 Steve Clarke on to the Liverpool coaching staff as first team coach, has begun a shake-up of the backroom team in alliance with the club’s director of football strategy Damien Comolli.

Former chief scout Eduardo Macia, a key ally of ex-boss Rafael Benitez, left the club last week along with five other scouts, most of whom were appointed by the Spaniard. Roy Hodgson’s former No.2 Mike Kelly has also parted company with the Merseysiders.

Liverpool To Offer Claudio Ranieri Anfield Manager Post In June

Liverpool is reportedly been in talks with Roma coach Claudio Ranieri in relation to offering the 59 year old the managerial post at Anfield in the summer. The former Chelsea boss is free to leave his post at the Stadio Olimpico in June and is apparently open to a return to England according to Italian source Leggo.

Kenny Dalglish will remain in his post as caretaker manager until the end of the season and whilst the Scot will be considered for the position on a permanent basis, the club’s owners are also drawing up a short list of potential candidates which will apparently include Ranieri.

The much travelled manager has plied his trade across Spain, Italy and England and is well respected in the game. His current spell at Roma has been a success, he helped the Giallorossi to within 90 minutes of their first Serie A title in a decade before being pipped to the post by Inter Milan.

Ranieri’s stint at Chelsea helped lay the ground work for Jose Mourinho’s successful era at the West London club. The Stamford Bridge club registered Premier League finishes of sixth, sixth, fourth and second before ‘The Special One’ claimed the title in his first season at the club.

Other candidates linked with the Liverpool position are said to include Frank Rijkaard, Didier Deschamps, Owen Coyle and Martin O’Neill.

Liverpool Owners Set To Attend Kenny Dalglish's Anfield Homecoming

Liverpool's new owners will be present for Kenny Dalglish's Anfield homecoming on Sunday and have continued to restructure the club by sacking the majority of its European scouting network. They are also closing in on the appointment of a new chief executive, with Celtic's Peter Lawwell a frontrunner for the post.

John W Henry, Liverpool's principal owner, is expected to attend the Merseyside derby against Everton when Dalglish will take charge of his first home game since replacing Roy Hodgson last Saturday. The chairman, Tom Werner, may attend the game too. It will be the Scot's first appearance as a Liverpool manager at Anfield since a goalless FA Cup fifth-round tie against Everton in February 1991.

Henry has not visited Anfield since the 2-0 victory over Chelsea in November. He has subsequently had to bring forward plans to replace Hodgson, complete with another expensive pay-off to a Liverpool manager, amid poor results, falling attendances and open revolt against the 63-year-old by the club's supporters, before installing Dalglish until the end of this campaign.

The appointment of the Liverpool legend has been universally welcomed among the Anfield faithful but presents Fenway Sports Group (the subsidiary of New England Sports Ventures that manages the club) with a potential dilemma this summer. Dalglish made it clear at his official unveiling on Monday that he would be "delighted" to accept the Liverpool manager's job on a permanent basis unless the club identified "someone better" to take over and FSG is understood to be keen on a young coach to take the club forward. Damien Comolli, who will oversee the search for Hodgson's full-time replacement in his capacity as director of football strategy, also admitted the 59-year-old would be considered for the position.

A new chief executive, the managerial situation, possible transfers – such as Southampton's £10m-rated Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – and Liverpool's need for a new stadium will all be on Henry's agenda on his next visit to Merseyside. As the interest in Oxlade-Chamberlain demonstrates, the club's new owners want to invest in top-quality young talent and move away from the scatter-gun approach that arguably characterized Liverpool's recruitment policy before the overhaul of the youth academy under Frank McParland in 2009.

The arrival of Comolli in November was destined to have repercussions for the existing European scouting team. He quickly brought on board Steve Hitchen, who was Tottenham Hotspur's principal overseas scout and is based in France, and the former chief scout Eduardo Macia left the club shortly after Christmas. Macia has now been followed by all but one of Liverpool's European scouts as Comolli restructures that department.

Spencer Stuart, the global executive recruitment company, is believed to be close to ending its three-month search for a replacement for Liverpool's former managing director, Christian Purslow, who left the club within days of FSG's takeover in October. Lawwell was a leading candidate to become the Arsenal chief executive when Spencer Stuart conducted that process in 2008, before the job eventually went to Ivan Gazidis, and has been recommended to FSG.

Premier League Preview: Blackpool vs Liverpool

Back in early October, Blackpool sent shockwaves through the Premier League by travelling to Liverpool and conquering Anfield. It was a body blow for the Reds, and was also one of the low points of former boss Roy Hodgson’s short stint as manager.

During that game, Luke Varney went down in the area as the referee pointed to the spot. Charlie Adam converted in front of the Kop to give his side a shock lead on Merseyside, before Varney doubled the advantage. A header from Sotirios Kyrgiakos eventually proved to be nothing more than a consolation as the victory served to justify the Seasiders’ arrival in the top-flight.

A little over three months have passed since then, and the visitors’ boss Ian Holloway probably feels that his charges can do the double over their more illustrious opponents. He fielded a line-up of several fringe players during the club’s recent FA Cup trip to Southampton, in a game that the travellers lost.

But he should call on his regulars for this encounter, in the hope of repeating the performance put in at Anfield to carve out a similar result.

The latter days of Roy Hodgson’s bitter reign on Merseyside saw him lose the fans completely, as the club’s supporters roundly chanted for his head by calling for the appointment of the legendary Kenny Dalglish.

One could very well argue that the results may not have been a true reflection of the former Fulham manager’s capability, as he was unable to mould the squad to his liking by flexing some muscle in the transfer window. But the Merseysiders have parted ways with the 63-year-old now, and have given the fans what they wanted - King Kenny.

Dalglish’s return to management after a decade-long hiatus began in poor fashion as a controversial penalty coupled with the sending off of his skipper Steven Gerrard ended in a defeat to bitter rivals Manchester United - which in turn meant that the Reds were knocked out of the FA Cup.

However, the feel good factor around the club will have trickled down into the squad as well, and could in turn translate into a positive performance on the pitch.

The Scot will have to capitalize on the initial boost that his appointment has given the team to capture nothing less than all three points at Bloomfield Road to retain hope of salvaging a morose season and qualifying for next season’s Europa League.

TEAM NEWS

Blackpool

The Seasiders have no fresh injury worries ahead of this game, but Elliot Grandin (hamstring), Malaury Martin (knee), Chris Basham (broken leg), Marlon Harewood (hamstring), Matt Gilks (knee) and Billy Clarke (knee) are all expected to remain sidelined.

Manager Ian Holloway fielded several fringe players during the recent defeat to Southampton and will likely revert to his preferred first-choice players once more.

Possible starting XI: Kingson; Eardley, Cathcart, Evatt, Crainey; Phillips, Adam, Vaughan; Taylor-Fletcher, Campbell, Varney

Liverpool

The club’s talismanic skipper Steven Gerrard is suspended for this game, as he saw red in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.

Jamie Carragher (shoulder) and Jay Spearing (ankle) remain sidelined. The former will remain unavailable for some more time as he recovers from surgery, while the latter is back in training and still working on getting back to full fitness.

Possible starting XI: Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Aurelio; Kuyt, Meireles, Lucas, Maxi; Babel, Torres

Kenny Dalglish Not Looking For Quick Buys To Fix Liverpool's Problems

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish says he will not be spending for the sake of buying in this month's transfer window and will instead focus on the players currently at Anfield.

The 59-year-old will attempt to get the best out of the existing squad, and will start by getting their confidence up.

He also commented that the current squad is a lot better than the team's critics are making out.

"I think it is the best squad of players I have inherited as a manager since the first time I came here," Dalglish told reporters on Tuesday.

"We don't have much time to get things up and running so the most important people for us are the people here and we will concentrate on them first and everyone will be given an opportunity.

"As far as I can see, the players are 100 per cent committed to what they want to do – to move onwards and upwards. There are no splits or divisions."

Dalglish has achieved great success on Merseyside, both as a player and a manager, winning the old First Division a total of eight times.

However, coming back into management after a gap of over a decade, the Anfield legend believes he has something to prove in this modern day game.

"It's one thing showing people what you've won, it is another thing to get respect out of them for what you are trying to do and that is what I have got to achieve," he admitted.

"I have no preconceived ideas that because of what I've done it gets me any more respect.

"The only way to earn players' respect is to work with them, get them on your side and hopefully get the confidence levels up, get a couple wins and take it from there."

The Scotsman has not ruled out the idea of buying players completely though and will work with director of football strategy Damien Comolli, but his attitude will create peace of mind amongst the current players who may be worrying about their futures.

He added: "What is immediate for us is the staff and players we have working together and the people know who they are there will do their very best to do that.

"If someone comes up who is attractive to the club then fine but at this moment there have not been any conversations about that."

Inter Plan Sensational €30 Million Benitez-Inspired Raid On Liverpool

Inter Milan and Bayern Munich have emerged as the front runners to end Fernando Torres’ Anfield hell, according to reports in Germany.

Despite being sacked as manager of European champions Inter last month, Benitez has left one legacy – an interest in Torres that could revive their ailing fortunes in Serie A.

Benitez signed Torres for Liverpool when he was an aspiring ‘wonderkid’ at Atletico Madrid and it was his intention to take advantage of the turmoil at Anfield to bring him to the San Siro in January or the summer.

However, after his sacking it seems a move for the 26-year-old had been put to one side. Now though Leonardo, Rafa’s successor, has put Torres back on the agenda.

Liverpool are determined to hang on to their prized asset and the striker himself has revealed he plans to see his contract out with the club, which runs until 2013 – anything could be possible after that, though.

Munich has also emerged as a possible destination for the Liverpool ace, as has Turin with a possible offer from Juventus on the cards.

Torres, though, said: “My head is in Liverpool and on helping save our season. I am professional and I always fulfil my deals.

"I haven't considered leaving, although in football that depends on the club,” he added, not totally ruling out moving if one of the mooted offers is accepted by Liverpool.

Liverpool 'Encouraged' To Swoop For Croatia Star

Liverpool is reportedly on the verge of making a move for Tottenham defender Vedran Corluka.

The Croatia international - valued at €15 million by transfermarkt.co.uk - has fallen down the pecking order at White Hart Lane and, according to the Daily Mail, has his sights set on a move during the transfer window.

Liverpool are thought to be tracking the 24-year-old and now - reports tribalfootball - the Anfield club are being 'encouraged' to launch a bid for Corluka's services.

The former Manchester City player is a versatile defender - able to perform equally competently at right-back or centre-back and, with constant injuries to the Liverpool defence, the acquisition of Corluka could prove to be a shrewd one.

Liverpool is thought to be in a strong position to land the Croatian thanks to director of football strategy Damien Comolli, who signed Corluka in 2008 while occupying a similar role with Spurs.

Whether a move for Corluka comes to fruition remains to be seen, but Liverpool are believed to be in the market for defensive reinforcements in January.

Liverpool have had their fair share of defensive woes of late after were hit with the news that Anfield stalwart Jamie Carragher would be out of action for three months after dislocating his shoulder against Spurs in November.

Centre-back Daniel Agger also reportedly wants out of Anfield so Liverpool could do well to bring in at least one defender during the transfer window.

Liverpool Step Up Pursuit Of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Liverpool are reportedly looking at stepping up their interest in Southampton's 17 year-old starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to fend off interest from Manchester United.

The Daily Mail state that Liverpool's director of football strategy Damien Comolli was at Boundary Park watching the youngster as Southampton beat Oldham 6-0 on Tuesday night, where the player got himself on the scoresheet.

However, this interest could conceivably come to nothing as the report claims that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was also present in the stands watching the youngster.

It is understood that The Saints value Oxlade Chamberlain at about £10 million and are said to be aware that Liverpool have watched the 17 year-old on several occasions and hold a real interest along with Arsenal.

The England Under-18 international has also reportedly attracted interest from Premier League sides Chelsea, Fulham, Stoke City and Tottenham in the past.

Liverpool Are Winning The Race For Ricky van Wolfswinkel

Liverpool remains the frontrunners for FC Utrecht striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel, according to his agent.

There has been growing speculation in recent days that the 21-year-old could be set to seal an imminent switch to Merseyside, but it has now emerged that - despite interest from Liverpool - there have been no formal discussions regarding a potential transfer.

“We have not had a formal call from Liverpool yet,” Louis Laros told Sport.co.uk.

“Liverpool are the main club following Ricky, but he is being followed by some big clubs throughout Europe and of course England, but without doubt, Liverpool is an interesting club for Ricky. But for the moment we keep his options open and we wait and see.”

And, although Liverpool have registered their interest in the Dutchman, the Anfield club are thought to be considering holding fire on an official £8 million bid until January due to the player's current fitness.

“I know they are [Liverpool] interested in him and they are following him. I think they are looking at him as a signing in the future, but possibly not immediately.”

“Also his injury could be an issue with a move remember. I don’t think that a formal offer will come from Liverpool in this transfer window."

Liverpool have also been linked with moves for Sevilla striker Alvaro Negrado and Ajax captain Luis Suarez as owners New England Sports Ventures look to invest in their squad during the January transfer window.

Alan Hansen: Kenny Dalglish Will Be Targeting Champions League Qualification

Alan Hansen believes that interim Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish will want the job permanently at the end of the season, and will be targeting Champions League qualification.

Dalglish, who previously spent 14 years at the Anfield club as a player and manager, was handed the reins until the end of the season after Roy Hodgson left the club.

When asked if Dalglish would want the job full-time, Hansen told the BBC's MOTD program this: “Absolutely. He Might not say that himself, but I know he is a complete football-man.

"Liverpool is in his heart, he thinks he's got unfinished business there.

"I think, he thinks he owes Liverpool, but I think Liverpool owe him.

"I think the supporters will get right behind him, but again, it's a results based industry, you've got to go out and win, and they've got big games coming up and obviously the players have underachieved."

Quizzed as to what supporters could expect for the remainder of the season, Hansen remained realistic, but insisted that his former team-mate would be targeting a top-four finish.

Daniel Pacheco Impresses For Liverpool FC Reseves In Front Of Kenny Dalglish

Daniel Pacheco scored a superb goal in front of Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool Reserves beat Sunderland 2-1 at the Academy on Tuesday afternoon. Watch highlights now online.

Nikola Saric bagged the other goal on a day when the young Reds played some lovely football as Dalglish, Steve Clarke and Sammy Lee watched from the sidelines.

Liverpool's caretaker boss will also have been delighted to see Jay Spearing come through 90 minutes on his return from a fracture just above his ankle.

The only negative for manager John McMahon was the late dismissal of goalkeeper Martin Hansen for a foul which led to Sunderland getting a consolation strike from the penalty spot.

The result keeps the second string top of their section of the Barclays Premier Reserve League North.

The opening 20 minutes were brought to life by 17-year-old Suso, who showed off his blend of wizardry and composure alongside the returning Spearing in central midfield.

The Spaniard produced a great delivery on 21 minutes which Emmanuel Mendy might have used better.

Tom Ince, back from a loan spell under his dad at Notts County, threatened on 27 minutes with a dainty turn and shot from the edge of the box which slid just wide.

Minutes later Pacheco gained possession before taking his markers one way and then the other. His eventual shot from 20 yards forced a fingertip save from Trevor Carson in the Sunderland goal.

Ince was next up with a well-struck hit which stung the goalkeeper's palms.

Sunderland had to wait 40 minutes for a serious effort on goal when midfielder Adam Reed let fly from distance before watching the ball whizz wide.

Liverpool countered with a cross-field ball from Jack Robinson which was taken well by Ince on the right. The No.7 cut inside and sent a curled effort into Carson's reach.

The breakthrough finally came on 43 minutes after a dinked ball into the box from Saric. Pacheco worked himself into a yard of space to shoot back across goal on his weaker left foot, managing to find the top corner.

The lead was doubled on 50 minutes when Spearing lofted a pass to Pacheco, who cut back to Saric. The former Bosnian refugee - who has missed large chunks of 2010-11 with a broken leg - bent his shot towards the roof of the net before wheeling away in celebration.

Pacheco could have made it 3-0 on 62 minutes following a decent ball from Ince, the Spanish U19 international leading defender Liam Bagnall astray with a superlative touch before shooting against the outside of the post.

Sunderland were gifted a lifeline when Craig Lynch ghosted into the box before falling under the slightest contact from the otherwise excellent John Flanagan. Justice was done, however, when Danish stopper Hansen saved Matthew Fletcher's penalty.

Down at the other end Ince crafted space for a cross before substitute David Amoo headed against the woodwork.

Flanagan was unlucky not to get his name on the scoresheet with a close-range poke after a mistake from the defender.

The one sour note for Liverpool came on 87 minutes after a mistake from substitute Victor Palsson, prompting Hansen to foul Fletcher in the box. The referee flashed a straight red card and Nathan Wilson sent newly introduced goalie Jamie Stephens the wrong way.

PFA Chief Gordon Taylor Defends Liverpool Striker Ryan Babel

PFA chief Gordon Taylor believes that the FA were harsh in charging Liverpool striker Ryan Babel with improper conduct.

The Dutchman appeared to be dissatisfied with the refereeing during the recent 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup, which saw referee Howard Webb award a controversial penalty to the Red Devils in the opening seconds before sending off skipper Steven Gerrard prior to the break.

The 24-year-old later took a pop at Webb on his Twitter page, and also shared a doctored image of the referee wearing a United shirt.

The governing body, however, did not take kindly to the antics of the former Ajax man, as they promptly slapped his wrists with a charge of improper conduct despite the Dutchman's swift apology on the social networking site.

Now Taylor believes that the FA was harsh on Babel as they failed to see the funny side of the issue.

"Where's our sense of humour gone in our game?" he asked BBC Radio Merseyside. "He's apologized, let's move on.

"I would think that Howard Webb is a big enough man, a big enough person and good enough referee to take it.

"To my mind, and to most footballers' minds, it is the same sort of stuff that flies about every weekend via mobile phones, but they are obviously taking a stance on it. I thought a warning would have been sufficient."

Kenny Dalglish Is Candidate For Permanent Liverpool Job

New Liverpool caretaker manager Kenny Dalglish will be a candidate for the post on a permanent basis.

The Scot is in charge until the end of the season, with director of football Damien Comolli tasked with finding Roy Hodgson's long-term successor.

Asked whether former Reds player and manager Dalglish would be considered Comolli said: "The answer is yes."

Dalglish added: "If I do really well and someone better than me comes along I will have no problem whatsoever."

Dalglish, who won eight league titles as a player and a manager with Liverpool between 1977 and 1991, applied for the job in the summer after the departure of Rafael Benitez, only to be overlooked in favour of Hodgson.

But when a dismal run of results brought a premature end to Hodgson's reign on Saturday the club turned to the Anfield legend to take charge until the end of the season.

That gives Dalglish a chance to stake his claim for the long-term job while Comolli scours the globe for a viable alternative.

Asked what the criteria were for identifying the next permanent manager, Comolli said: "Competence, someone who will fit into the club and playing philosophy and huge on man-management - the three things most important to the club.

"It is open to people that we think fit into what I have described and Kenny obviously fits into that category.

"There will be a thorough search of what we want to do, where we want to get to and we will talk to Kenny about it and see where it takes us."

Dalglish, speaking to journalists at Anfield on Monday for the first time since he was appointed, insisted he is happy with his current caretaker role and denied seeking any assurances for his long-term future when he was offered the job by Liverpool co-owner John Henry.

"My understanding is that it's until the end of the season and that's no problem for me," said Dalglish, whose first match in charge ended in a 1-0 FA Cup third-round defeat to arch rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

"I've heard stories about demanding this and demanding that, but when I was phoned on Saturday morning and asked if I'd take the job it was a straightforward 'yes' and that was it for me.

"There's no conditions, no promises, there's nothing. I came back to work at a club that myself and my family are eternally grateful for many things they have done for us and when I was asked to do it there was no way I was going to be disrespectful and say 'no'.

"I am here to be of help to the club and if that means Kenny Dalglish is not the manager that is not a problem.

"If at the end of the season the owners have their eyes on someone else then I have no problem stepping aside because if I didn't I wouldn't be true to my word.

"I would do it readily if it meant the club improving."

Liverpool will resume their stuttering Premier League campaign at Blackpool on Wednesday.

And Dalglish joked that in the current climate he may be fortunate to see out the season with the Reds.

"If I can get to the end of the season then I'll probably end up as one of the longest-serving managers in the Premier League any way," he said.

Comolli, who has previously worked for Arsenal and Tottenham, was appointed by new owners New England Sports Ventures (NESV) in November to help the club identify potential transfer targets.

But the Frenchman insisted Dalglish would have the final say on all new signings.

"As I have always said, if Kenny is not happy with a player we think could make the team better, or if he thinks it is not the right timing, it will always be down to the manager to say he is not happy."

Dalglish said he has not had time to think about transfer targets yet.

"I am sure the owners have an opinion about the football club, they own it so they are entitled to, but that is why they put Damien in his position and me in mine," he said.

"They will leave it in our hands as to whether we need players or not."

New Liverpool First-Team Coach Steve Clarke Couldn't Turn Down Chance To Work With Kenny Dalglish

Steve Clarke has spoken of his excitement at joining the coaching staff at Liverpool after the former Chelsea assistant manager was appointed as first-team coach at Anfield.

Clarke, who played over 500 senior matches for St Mirren and Chelsea, was assistant manager at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho, and also at West Ham United under Gianfranco Zola.

"I was sat at home doing nothing and now I've got the chance of working with a football great in Kenny Dalglish and also working for one of the world's leading football clubs" Clarke told Liverpool's official website.

"This was something I couldn't turn down.

"I am grateful for everybody who has given me such a warm welcome, especially all those here at Melwood.

"I am really looking forward to working with Kenny and the rest of the staff to help bring good times back to the club."